HEALTHY BREAKFAST IDEAS
Eating breakfast gives you the energy you need to start your day and adding extra protein will help keep your appetite in check. Research shows that eating a high-protein breakfast has a greater decrease in hunger-stimulating hormones compared to a high-carb breakfast.
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Creamy Berry Quinoa Parfait
With one-third of the sugar found in typical store-bought parfaits (which frequently use syrups and added sugars), this healthier version is loaded with protein and good carbs. Combine 1/3 cup cooked quinoa, 3/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon. Using 1/4 cup blueberries and 9 walnuts, create layers of the quinoa/yogurt mixture, blueberries and nuts in a glass.
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Cheesy Eggwich
To prepare, boil an egg and toast a whole-wheat English muffin. Once the egg is cooked, layer 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese on top of the muffin and top with the egg, sliced.
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Chia Crunch
Chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acids and fiber (a whopping 10 grams in about two tablespoons) to this already high-protein breakfast. Chia seeds are popular because of their superfood nutritional profile, and research shows they may play a role in improving risk factors for heart disease. For this easy recipe, combine 1/3 cup of cooked quinoa with 3/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt and two teaspoons of chia seeds.
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Protein Eggsadilla
Remove eggs and place on a whole-wheat tortilla. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese, one tablespoon of salsa and then roll up the tortilla. You can mix up this recipe up by trying different varieties of salsa and cheese. If you want to cut down on fat a bit more, try a low-fat cheese option.
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Almond Bran Crunch
Adding protein-packed Greek yogurt takes this bran cereal up a notch from your everyday bowl of cereal. Topping with almonds not only adds crunch — they’re the only nut to offer vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that also acts as an antioxidant. Combine 3/4 cup bran cereal with 3/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt and 10 almonds. For added sweetness you can top with fresh blueberries or a banana.
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Cinnamon French Toast with Yogurt
With this recipe, French toast doesn’t have to be a weekend breakfast splurge. With 28 grams of protein, you’ll be satiated for hours. Soak one slice of whole-grain bread in a beaten egg. Cook in a non-stick pan for approximately one minute on each side until lightly browned. Sprinkle with cinnamon (or any other favorite spice) and serve with 3/4 cup of yogurt.
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Mushroom and Tomato Omelet
Combine four egg whites with one egg and beat gently. Using a cooking spray, cook eggs in a non-stick pan. Once the egg begins to take form along the edges, add 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms and 1/2 chopped tomato in the center of the omelet. Cook until eggs are set and fold over.
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Cashew Maple Yogurt
The touch of maple syrup offers natural sweetness to the tart Greek yogurt. Mix together 3/4 cup multigrain cereal, 8 chopped cashews and 3/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt. Drizzle with 1 1/2 teaspoons of maple syrup and enjoy! To make this recipe without gluten, swap out regular cereal for a no gluten cereal of your choice.
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Mediterranean Morning Scramble
The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world; it’s linked to cutting risks of heart disease and other illnesses. Lightly beat one egg with four egg whites and scramble in a non-stick pan until fully cooked. Top eggs with three tablespoons of part-skim ricotta cheese and 3/4 cup baby spinach.
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Walnut Yogurt Breakfast
With only three ingredients and a prep time of less than five minutes, this easy breakfast is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. Walnuts add a healthy dose of omega-3s. Simply combine 3/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt with seven chopped walnut halves and two tablespoons of wheat germ. To add natural sweetness, top with fresh raspberries or any seasonal fruit.
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Savory Oatmeal With an Egg
Take oatmeal to a whole new level by making it savory. Prepare as usual with milk or water, but add a pinch of salt and pepper instead of any cinnamon or sugar. Then top with an over-easy or poached egg and sprinkle on a little cheese for an extra tasty kick.
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Tomato Toast With Macadamia Ricotta
Here’s a healthier take on a classic breakfast sandwich: Take 2 slices of a hearty whole-grain bread, spread each slice with 1 tablespoon of homemade macadamia ricotta cheese, and sprinkle with shiso or basil, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Add 1-2 hearty slices of fresh heirloom tomatoes (blotted with paper towel to remove excess liquid) and enjoy.
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Avocado Toast With Egg
Sometimes simple is just better. Top two lightly toasted slices of whole-grain bread with smashed avocado and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Layer on two sunny-side up eggs for a healthy dose of protein, and you’ve got a well-rounded breakfast. Stack ’em in a tupperware container for easy transport or cook the yolks a bit more and make the whole thing into a sandwich.